Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride month is celebrated in February in the UK and this year the theme will be Religion, Belief and Philosophy.
Below are some facts and quotes on LGBT Pride
1. In 1972, Sweden became the first country to allow citizens to change their gender legally
2. The rainbow flag became a symbol at the 1978 San Francisco Pride Parade
3. The flag was designed by artist Gilbert Baker with 8 colours each symbolising something:
Pink (Sexuality), Red (Life), Orange (Healing), Yellow (Sunlight), Green (Nature), Turquoise (Magic/art), Blue (Serenity/harmony) Violet (Spirit)
4. Massachusetts became the first state in the US to legalise same-sex marriage in May 2004
5. ‘There are some people in this world that believe being gay is a choice. It’s not a choice, we’re born this way’ -Lady Gaga
6. In 2006, the Säo Paulo Pride Parade was named the largest pride parade by Guinness World Records. It had an estimated 2.5 million attendees
7. Approximately 1 million children in the US are being raised by same-sex couples
8. The word ‘Lesbian’ is derived from the Greek island Lesbos, home of the Greek Poetess Sappho. Her poetry proclaimed her love for girls and praised the beauty of women
9. Records of same-sex relationships have been found in nearly every culture throughout history, with varying degrees of acceptance
10. ‘I’ve been embraced by a new community. That’s what happens when you’re finally honest about who you are, you find others like you’ – Chaz Bono
Don’t forget to join the British Veterinary Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender group which was recently set up and open to anyone who wants to support LGBT rights. The group hopes to hold social meetings, develop a LGBT network in universities and colleges and march together at London Gay Pride 2016.
The group can be found on Facebook, Twitter or by emailing BVLGBT@gmail.com